Review: 'Wicked' exceeds its notoriety at Proctors

SCHENECTADY -- The national tour of "Wicked," at Proctors Theatre though Nov. 25, is the second time the Broadway hit has played here. This version is just as good and, arguably, even better, than the first, which is a great tribute to the production.

That's because "Wicked" is a show in which the storyline is more important than its musical component. If you are not involved in the story, you might find the material too dense.

Yes, the score is pleasant enough to be enjoyed alone and, when special effects are added to the first-act closer "Defying Gravity," it's a goose bump moment. But songs like the love duet "As Long As You Are Mine" and the ode to friendship "For Good," while lovely, take on an added resonance because of our attachment to the characters and the situation of which they are singing

The biggest hurdle for audiences who saw the first "Wicked" at Proctors is familiarity with the plot. "Wicked" turns the traditional "Wizard of Oz" tale on its heels, as most of the fun comes from the revelations about how the Wicked Witch of the East and Glinda, the Good Witch, got their reputations.

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The show also reveals how the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow came into being. It also sheds new light on the personality of the Wizard of Oz. I don't want to offer a spoiler, but as a hint, he's not the affable guy from the film. Once these surprising developments are known, the book-heavy show can be less involving.

That said, the talented cast captures the essence of the story and develops the friendships and romances between the characters while keeping the balance between comedy and intense drama. This production is always engaging.

The two leads are terrific. The central figure is Elphaba, the girl who was born with skin an odd shade of green which made her an outsider. Christine Dwyer plays the woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the East as an outspoken, independent woman, but also indicates her need for acceptance.

What makes this duality work is Dwyer clearly shows the principled Elphaba's determination to "fit in" must be on her terms. By the way, she sings the heck out of her powerful, often show-stopping numbers.

Almost stealing the show from Elphaba is Glinda, who is portrayed in a delightfully comic manner by Jeanna De Waal. De Waal's Glinda grows from being a self-centered, dumb blonde to become an emerging independent woman with a world view.

In many ways, Glinda's journey is more satisfying than is Elphaba's. That's because Elphaba's destiny is almost preordained while Glinda's growth comes from increasing self-awareness.

Individually, each actress is great and their work together elevates the production. Their interaction makes you realize "Wicked" is, at its heart, almost a female buddy story with two opposites learning to accept and like each other.

Indeed, within the musical, there are two important themes that intersect. One, which consumes most of the first act, is a tale about living as an outsider and learning to accept what is different. Though the topic is serious, it offers a lot of light-hearted and comic moments. De Wall shines in this section.

Once the pair travels to the Emerald City, the intensity builds as the political and social themes of the show dominate -- as does the work of Dwyer as the rebel Elphaba.

This is not to suggest "Wicked" is a two-person show. The supporting cast is excellent and the ensemble is very good. The technical support in terms of set and lighting (be prepared for a lot of fog) is on a high level and the singing, dancing and musical accompaniment are solidly professional.

This is a complete show that should satisfy everyone. My 13-year-old companion had a ball as did her slightly older grandfather. Best of all, we had something of depth to talk about after the show.